A total of 105 women in Livingstone have been given K90,751 through the village Banking concept.

And Government has encouraged women in the country to take advantage of the availability of funds under the Women Empowerment Fund and apply for the funds.

Livingstone member of parliament Evans Lawrence said that the number of beneficiaries in Livingstone had increased since the introduction of village Banking Concept.

Speaking when he handed over cash of K90, 751 to different women and 21 approved projects on Saturday, Mr Lawrence said the PF Government was committed to improving the lives of women and children in the country.

He said the savings were hard to make and that, that was the reason why Government introduced village banking in order to help the needy.

Mr Lawrence said the village Banking concept was established to help homes headed by women.

“The target of the village Banking is the low incapacitated families through viable activities. As Government, we have noted that people have developed the culture of paying back and that is why the number of beneficiaries has increased” he said.

Mr Lawrence who is also Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Livestock urged women to take advantage of the available funds under women empowerment.

“The Women Empowerment Fund is available, all you need to do is to apply for it. You should take advantage of these funds. You are free to apply, to those that have received money today, please utilize the fund diligently in order to benefit other people,” he said.

This was contained in a speech read on his behalf by community based rehabilitation (CBR) advisor Slick Nyirenda.

Earlier, Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health credit officer Precious Nkonde Machisa said micro finance had now become a global tool for reducing poverty.

Ms Nkonde said village banking was an income generating project which started in 2015.